Media and Public Affairs
Press release
Building society lending shows signs of stabilising
|
Contact: Rachel Wylie Date: 29 Jul 2009 |
Print page | Email |
Gross mortgage lending by building societies was £1,976 million in June 2009, compared to £3,254 million in June 2008.
Commenting on the mortgage figures, Brian Morris, Head of Savings Policy at the BSA, said:
“Gross mortgage lending by building societies was just under £2 billion in June 2009, the highest level seen this year, and up 30% on May. Despite this, lending remains at historically low levels, and is 40% lower than in June 2008. Mortgage approvals show signs of stabilising as they reached a year high of £1.8 billion, but are more than 30% down on this time last year.”
In the savings market, building societies experienced a net withdrawal of £2,239 million in June this year, compared to a net inflow of £419 million in June last year.
Commenting on the savings figures, Mr Morris said:
“The withdrawal experienced by the building society sector is not unexpected given the very challenging economic backdrop. With rising unemployment, subdued income growth and the official Bank Rate at an historic low, it is very difficult to attract retail savings. In addition, there is evidence households are looking to take advantage of the low interest rates to pay off debt rather than save. These conditions are expected to persist into 2010.”
- Building society gross lending was £1,976 million in June 2009 compared to £3,254 million in June 2008.
- Net lending by building societies in June 2009 was -£511 million compared to -£471 million in June 2008.
- Mortgage approvals in June 2009 were £1,817 million compared to £2,721 million in June 2008.
- Including interest credited, savings balances held by building societies decreased by £1,913 million in June 2009, compared to a £865 million increase in June 2008.
- Building societies had a net withdrawal of £2,239 million in June 2009 compared to net receipt of £419 million in June 2008.
- Building societies had a net withdrawal of £714 million from Cash ISAs in June 2009, compared to net receipts of £75 million in June 2008.
~Ends~
CONTACT: Rachel Wylie
EMAIL: rachel.wylie@bsa.org.uk
The funding and lending tables can be downloaded via the links below -
The Building Societies Association (BSA) represents all 53 building societies in the United Kingdom. Building societies have total assets of over £375 billion and, together with their subsidiaries, hold residential mortgages of over £245 billion, more than 20% of the total outstanding in the UK. Societies hold over £240 billion of retail deposits, accounting for more than 20% of all such deposits in the UK. Building societies also account for about 36% of all cash ISA balances. Building societies employ approximately 50,000 full and part-time staff and operate through approximately 2,000 branches.
Photographs of Brian Morris are available from the BSA press office, or from the Association’s website at www.bsa.org.uk or Headlinemoney www.headlinemoney.co.uk
Detailed statistical tables are attached
